Investment Pathways in the United States — An Overview

The United States offers several investment-related visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This article provides a general overview of the most commonly discussed options.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to obtain a Green Card by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs for American workers.

Minimum investment: Generally $800,000 for projects in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA — rural or high-unemployment areas), or $1,050,000 for standard projects (amounts are periodically adjusted and should be confirmed with current USCIS figures).
Job creation requirement: The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.
Two common paths: Direct investment in a business you manage, or investment through a USCIS-designated “Regional Center” project.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

The E-2 visa allows nationals of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the United States to live in the U.S. while directing and developing a business they have invested in.

Important note: Iran does not currently have a qualifying E-2 treaty with the United States, meaning Iranian nationals are generally not eligible for the E-2 visa directly. Some Iranian nationals explore this pathway through dual citizenship in a treaty country, which involves additional legal complexity and should be reviewed carefully with a qualified attorney.
Unlike EB-5, there is no fixed minimum investment amount, but the investment must be substantial relative to the business.

L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

For business owners or executives who already operate a company outside the U.S. and want to open a related office or branch in the United States, transferring qualifying employees (including themselves, in some structures) under L-1 status.

General Considerations for Any Investment Pathway

Source of funds documentation: All investment-based pathways require you to prove the lawful source of your investment capital, which can involve extensive financial documentation.
Business plan requirements: A well-prepared, credible business plan is typically essential for USCIS approval.
Processing times: Investment-based immigration pathways can take from several months to multiple years, depending on the category and current government processing backlogs.
Risk: Any investment carries financial risk; these pathways should be evaluated both as an immigration strategy and as a genuine business or financial decision.

A Realistic Note

Investment immigration pathways are among the most complex areas of U.S. immigration law, involving both immigration attorneys and financial/investment professionals. Given the scale of capital involved, working with licensed, experienced professionals — and independently verifying any investment opportunity — is essential.

How Mitra Global Can Help

We can provide general information about these pathways and refer you to licensed immigration attorneys and qualified investment professionals suited to your specific goals and circumstances.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice or legal advice. Investment figures and eligibility requirements are subject to change and should be verified with current official sources.